New Delhi, 24 July (H.S.): The Indian boxing team has made an impressive start at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has advanced directly to the women's 75kg semifinals, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal. Attention now turns to three boxers associated with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) — Sachin Siwach, Preeti Pawar and Kapil Pokharia — who are set to begin their respective campaigns.

One of India's most accomplished boxers, Sachin Siwach will open his campaign in the men's 60kg category on July 25. The 26-year-old enters the competition in outstanding form. He created history by winning the gold medal at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals, becoming the first Indian male boxer to achieve the feat.

He followed that success by clinching gold medals at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic and the Boxam Elite International Tournament in Spain. Earlier this year, he also secured the silver medal at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships. Renowned for his technical excellence and exceptional ring control, Sachin is regarded as one of India's strongest medal contenders in Glasgow.

In the women's 54kg category, Preeti Pawar has received a first-round bye and will begin her campaign directly from the Round of 16. The Paris Olympian is enjoying the best phase of her career. Earlier this year, she captured the gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships by defeating a three-time world champion in the final.

She also won gold medals at the World Boxing Cup Finals and the EUBC Gold Grand Prix. The 22-year-old boxer from Bhiwani is expected to deliver another impressive performance in Glasgow.

Kapil Pokharia will also begin his campaign from the Round of 16 in the men's 90kg category. The IIS heavyweight boxer has consistently produced strong performances in recent years. He won the silver medal at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem and later claimed the gold medal at the National Games, performances that earned him a place in India's squads for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games this year.

With Lovlina Borgohain already assured of a medal, India will now look to Sachin Siwach, Preeti Pawar and Kapil Pokharia to continue the winning momentum and further strengthen the country's medal tally in boxing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar